Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

The Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project regularly monitors the larval and adult mosquito population and tests for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in a sample of mosquitoes collected in the City of Pittsfield. To reduce the mosquito population and potential for infection, truck-mounted mosquito spray application is scheduled for 10 p.m. – midnight, Tuesday Aug. 23 on streets within a one-mile radius of Garland Avenue.

A map of scheduled spray areas is available on the City of Pittsfield website at www.cityofpittsfield.org/HealthDepartment. In the event of rain, spraying may be rescheduled for the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 24. This application will not leave significant residue and is not persistent in the environment.

West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito borne illness is to take the following precautions:

When outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks.

Use a repellent with DEET according to the instructions on the product label.

Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing holes in screens and making sure screens fit tightly to doors and windows.

Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Remove areas of standing water around your home to eliminate sources of mosquito breeding.

To request no-spraying on your property you can call the BCMCP or send a request via email including name and property address, berkmc@bcn.net. For more information contact the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project at 413-447-9808.

For more information about mosquito borne viruses call the Pittsfield Health Department at 499-9411 or visit The City of Pittsfield website at www.cityofpittsfield.org or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.